Photo: RM.Design
When Audi introduced the R8 in 2007, they proved to the world that quattro need not be a system for boring executive saloons. The sportscar was a match for the Porsche 911 in terms of performance and with throaty V8 and V10 engines mounted in the middle of sexy body, it quickly became known as budget Lambroghinis.
Now Audi is getting ready to launch an all-new R8, as prototypes have been seen numerous times on and around the Nurburgring track. But despite one prototype wearing very little camouflage, we still don't actually know what the next-gen will look like.
Like the third-generation TT coupe, the R8 seems to evolve in terms of design, not re-write its identity. Powerful design cues like the shape of the hood and the side air intakes remain firmly in place while the things that make a sportscar are imbelished and improved.
This is the very first rendering of the new R8 that we've seen. Now, we do know that at first glance it looks king of weird, especially in those funky side air intakes. But we said that abut RM.Design's vision of the 2014 Opel Corsa and weirdly, the real thing was just as ugly as what he drew.
Perhaps the idea for the funky front end design can be lined to the e-tron EV and Audi's new-found affinity for plug-in hybrids. Recent reports suggest that the battery-powered version of the R8 is once again being developed, after being dropped due to the pack of driving range.
However, he R8 will not suddenly become a tree-hugging rival for the BMW i8. The best powertrain for a sportscar remain naturally aspirated and that's why at least the 5.2-liter V10 will carry over.
An air of mystery surrounds the new R8, which has yet to reveal its specs and its debut date. However, knowing Audi's test schedule, we believe the second part of 2015 will welcome its debut.
Like the third-generation TT coupe, the R8 seems to evolve in terms of design, not re-write its identity. Powerful design cues like the shape of the hood and the side air intakes remain firmly in place while the things that make a sportscar are imbelished and improved.
This is the very first rendering of the new R8 that we've seen. Now, we do know that at first glance it looks king of weird, especially in those funky side air intakes. But we said that abut RM.Design's vision of the 2014 Opel Corsa and weirdly, the real thing was just as ugly as what he drew.
Perhaps the idea for the funky front end design can be lined to the e-tron EV and Audi's new-found affinity for plug-in hybrids. Recent reports suggest that the battery-powered version of the R8 is once again being developed, after being dropped due to the pack of driving range.
However, he R8 will not suddenly become a tree-hugging rival for the BMW i8. The best powertrain for a sportscar remain naturally aspirated and that's why at least the 5.2-liter V10 will carry over.
An air of mystery surrounds the new R8, which has yet to reveal its specs and its debut date. However, knowing Audi's test schedule, we believe the second part of 2015 will welcome its debut.
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